About 65 personnel have conducted preliminary screening searches of 557 residential properties in the fire affected area, with no deceased people discovered at this stage.

Of those, 110 property sites were destroyed or damaged (a site may contain more than one dwelling or building).

It’s hoped the initial phase of these searches will be completed today before stage two (more comprehensive searches) is conducted.

Police continue to hold concerns for about 100 people who have not made contact with friends or family, and encourage people to register their details with the Red Cross on 1800 727 077 or www.redcross.org.au to assist police in reconciling concerns for welfare and eliminate the possibility these people may have come to harm.

“It’s vitally important that all people who were in the area at the time, and are ok, self-register their details with the National Registration and Inquiry Service operated by the Red Cross,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Donna Adams.

“This will enable us to put the minds of concerned family and friends at ease, and enable us to prioritise our search activities.”

A team from Victoria Police is expected to arrive today to assist in the search operation.

An escort of non-emergency vehicles out of the Nubeena area, in convoys, has begun. Five convoys, involving a total of 395 vehicles and about 750 people have been conducted over the past 24 hours. A further two resupply convoys of essential supplies were escorted to Nubeena yesterday and last night.

It’s estimated about 500 vehicles and 1500 people remain at Nubeena, and further escorts out of the area are planned today, subject to fire conditions and if deemed safe.

A priority for police is to open the Arthur Highway as soon as possible. It must be remembered that the fire in the area remains active and uncontrolled.

Police understand the frustrations of property owners who have been unable to return to their properties and are working to expedite their return to residences that are intact. This will be subject to safety clearance by search teams and under certain circumstances. Further detail will be provided when available.

Tasmania Police would like to advise members of the public that the convoys for essential supplies only are not for escort onto the Peninsula, or for the delivery of goods donated by individuals. Police reiterate the convoys are not for general members of the public, but for ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES approved by emergency services.

For more information on the fire situation and support services, contact 1800 567 567. Up-to-date information on the fires can also be found at the Tasmania Fire Service website www.fire.tas.gov.au. Police information is also available at www.police.tas.gov.au. Information on grants and other support available to those affected by fires can be found at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/bushfires

There are many people who remain unaccounted for, and police urge
people to register their details with the National Registration and Inquiry
Service on 1800 727 077 or via www.redcross.org.au.

Tasmania Police Media & Communications

(03) 6230 2296